May
is National Photography Month; a perfect time to consider post mortem
photography and why our ancestors had photos taken of loved ones after they had
died. (But be warned: These photos may be considered graphic and disturbing.)
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| Daguerreotype Camera |
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| Victorian Era |
Post
mortem photography was popular during the Victorian Era. The daguerreotype was the
first photographic process for the masses. Introduced in 1839, it gave those in
the middle class a way to memorialize their loved ones, both living and dead.
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| Man in Chair |
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| Girl in Chair |
Many
families had post mortem photos taken as keepsakes, a way to remember and honor
the dead. Since photography was fairly new, there were likely no other images
of the deceased; this was the only way to capture them as they had been in life. Photos could also be sent to family that lived far away
for the purpose of remembering and mourning.
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| Children with Baby |
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| Baby in Carriage |
This
explains why many of these Victorian death portraits appear to be tableaus: the
departed placed in a life-like pose representing a “slice of life” - but taken
after someone had died.
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| Mother with Two Babies |
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| Father with Baby |
Post
mortem photos of babies were especially popular since mortality rates for
children and babies were extremely high. This photograph was all that parents
and family members would have to remember their child.
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| Girl Among Flowers |
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| A "Deep Slumber" |
Most
early post mortem photos were taken of the face, showing the deceased in a
“deep slumber”, but it wasn’t long before full-bodied shots became common with
the subjects posed on chairs, couches and beds for their final repose.
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| Family Gathered Around Deceased |
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| Family is Deceased |
Many
times a photo showed a parent holding a deceased child with other family
members gathered around. However, one post mortem photo shows an entire family
laid out on a bed – all of them deceased.
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| Child with Tinted Cheeks |
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| Tinted Cheeks and Bow |
Depending
on the photographer, a rosy tint could be added to the cheeks to make the
subjects appear more life-like. Many post mortem photos were taken with the
subject’s eyes open to give a life-like look. At other times, if the eyes had
been closed before the photo was taken, it would be retouched with paint to
give the effect of someone alive.
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| Deceased Pet with Owners |
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| Deceased Owner with Pets |
Toward
the turn of the century, post mortem photos of pets were also being taken. Or
pets with their deceased master …
One
post mortem photo was taken two year after death and used to try and locate the man's relatives. (And apparently, also an advertisement for Livingstons, Undertakers.)
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| King Ludwig II of Barvaria |
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| Family with Two Babies |
Photos
of the deceased in the coffin were not popular until the end of the 19th century, and
more so in Europe than in the U.S.
By
the beginning of the 20th century, post mortem photos were falling out of favor; people began to find them tasteless and uncouth in this country.
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| In Repose |
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| Coffin Photo |
Today,
post mortem photos are not desired or considered respectful by many, however some
ethnic groups, especially in Europe continue the practice. Victorian photos can still be found in
antique shops and on eBay – a lasting look at how our ancestors coped with life - in the
face of death.
~
Joy
